Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Okaeri – San Francisco
Okaeri - San Francisco
Photo from Okaeri
Okaeri at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 98 of the guests
#957 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#84 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
652
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Great Service
- Cozy Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Loud Environment
- Small Portions
The restaurant, Okaeri, is a Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. When you step inside, you’ll discover a unique blend of upscale, cozy, and trendy atmospheres, perfect for a memorable meal.
You can look forward to an exceptional dining experience, highlighted by a great tea selection that truly sets it apart. Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or an intimate dinner, Okaeri offers a welcoming ambiance for you.
Overview: Introducting Okaeri
Okaeri consistently impresses with its culinary offerings, particularly the freshness of its Japanese dishes, from pristine sashimi to perfectly prepared nigiri. Guests often highlight the professional service and attentive staff, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant also cultivates a cozy ambiance that many find appealing. However, some experiences at Okaeri have been marked by occasional service interruptions and a perceived lack of internal communication.
There are also notes about the price being on the higher side for certain items, and the dining room can get quite noisy , making conversation a challenge for some.
Good
7.7
out of 10
652
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
105
negative
49
neutral
498
positive
Okaeri maintains a solid overall standing, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.7 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.4%. These figures indicate a generally positive reception, with most diners leaving content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial base of 652 customer remarks, where positive feedback significantly outweighs negative comments, with 498 favorable observations compared to 105 less favorable ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) clearly stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and authenticity.
The Ambience (7.8) also contributes positively to the dining experience, creating an inviting setting. While Service (7.2) is generally good, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies.
The Value (6.9) is perceived as good overall, though some find certain offerings a bit steep.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Professional, friendly service
- Inviting, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Occasional high pricing
- Noisy dining environment
- Small portion sizes
Okaeri presents a compelling option for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine, particularly if you prioritize fresh ingredients and a pleasant setting. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.2, it’s generally a place that leaves a positive impression, especially for its culinary strengths and attentive staff.
While some aspects like occasional noise or pricing for certain dishes might give pause, the overall experience leans heavily towards satisfaction. If you’re looking for a reliable spot with authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, Okaeri is certainly worth considering, especially for its standout sushi and sashimi.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Okaeri
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 78.6%. With 304 positive remarks, diners frequently praise the incredible freshness and quality ingredients, especially for their sushi/nigiri and omakase experiences, highlighting inventive and tasty dishes. However, not every dish is a home run.
About 50 comments point to some inconsistencies, such as issues with sushi rice, occasional blandness in certain menu items, or concerns about portion size. While the overall sentiment is very positive, a few elements might not always meet expectations.
Food
387
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
50
negative
33
neutral
304
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Excellent omakase experience
- Inventive, tasty dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent sushi rice
- Some dishes bland
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodThe boba was very tasty, and the sushi was also great. I appreciated the good price for the great food. I always try to come by for happy hour or when I need some boba.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was excellent! I found it to be a great place for sushi, with everything being fresh and delicious. I want to give a big shout out to the cook and servers; they were very friendly and courteous.
- omakaseThe $90pp omakase was a highlight, featuring appetizers, 10 chef’s choice nigiri, and chawanmushi
- fishMy experience at Okaeri Japanese Bistro was centered around their sushi, which was quite good. The fish tasted fresh, and the rolls were well-prepared, indicating the use of quality ingredients. Overall, it was a very enjoyable sushi experience.
- nigiriLegit the best piece of nigiri I’ve had in my life
- quality of the fishI don’t even like saba (mackerel), but I was able to eat their saba! Given the quality of the fish, it’s very well worth the price even if it is a bit pricier. The takeout came in a really nice box.
- sashimiMy experience at Okaeri was absolutely fantastic, delivering an authentic Japanese dining experience. The incredible freshness of every dish was a standout, from the pristine sashimi and perfectly prepared nigiri and rolls to the divine yellowtail cheeks. The service was extremely professional and refreshingly no-nonsense, making us feel truly transported to Tokyo.
- appetizersthe appetizers reminded us of eating a kaiseki meal in Japan
- bobaMy experience at Yoji Tea House was very positive. I tried the Classic Milk bubble tea with boba, opting for 50% sweetness, and found it to be plenty delicious. 😋 The restaurant also offers very cute and abundant outdoor seating.
- food qualityI planned to spend around $200 for two people, and even then, we ended up feeling hungry later. The food quality was good (rated 4/5), and the service was excellent (rated 5/5), but the atmosphere was just okay (rated 3/5).
Frequently criticized
- foodBut the food!! It was pretty bad.
- portion sizeThe food itself was tasty, but unfortunately, both my husband and I were still hungry after our meals. He found his donburi and pot stickers insufficient, and I was still hungry after the omakase. Leaving slightly hungry after spending over $200 was a bit disappointing.
- riceThe rice was pretty bad.. For sushi rice, which often serves as a constraint to the fish or a built in palate cleanser, this rice was heavily marinated.
- rollsThe rolls are small for the price.
- Gouka Kani DonGouka Kani Don (very nice rice, but the scallops had a lemon flavor and lacked their normal sweetness, disappointing)
- Jasmine teathe Jasmin tea was bitter
- Miso GindaraMiso Gindara (lots of bones, weak miso flavor, a hint of lemon - dislike)
- Spider RollA bit disappointing and would not order again
- UnagiFor the entrées I also thought the Unagi had too much Unagi sauce
- awful and wateryWhen I pointed this out, they took the slushy, added syrup to dilute it, and blended it again. It was still a slushy and they claimed it "would melt, " but it tasted awful and watery. This was nothing like the great experiences I've had before.
If you're looking for fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi and omakase, this spot is definitely worth exploring. While a few dishes might be inconsistent or portions small, the overall culinary experience is highly recommended.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a 7.2, which is quite good! Many customers, in 77 positive remarks, highlighted the staff as attentive and friendly, praising the fast service and the great service overall, especially the smooth app ordering experience. It seems the team often goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.1%, with 30 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some folks experienced slow service and even encountered rude staff. There were also mentions of issues with the online ordering system causing delays and a lack of internal communication leading to missed requests.
Service
113
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
30
negative
6
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Fast service
- Great ordering experience
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceThe incredible freshness of every dish was a standout, from the pristine sashimi and perfectly prepared nigiri and rolls to the divine yellowtail cheeks. The service was extremely professional and refreshingly no-nonsense, making us feel truly transported to Tokyo. It was a top-notch meal and a definite must-try for genuine Japanese cuisine in San Francisco!
- staffevery person I spoke to was very kind, friendly, and accommodating.
- chefEverything tasted so fresh and authentic. It was a plus to sit at the bar and see the chef make each item and explain everything. This is definitely a place you should try as you will not be disappointed.
- hostThe host sat us at a table of our choice by the window
- reservationDefinitely get a reservation for busier nights
- serverIt's our go-to spot when we're craving sushi. While the new online ordering system caused a delay in getting our drinks, reaching out to our server helped get us back in the queue. Despite this minor hiccup, I'm still giving 5 stars because the sushi is that good.
- ChefChef master is really charming handsome smart and skillful!
- Chef Antoniointeract with our Chef Antonio who was very attentive and simpático
- Chef Lobeen going to Chef Lo for years now
- MasterMy experience at this restaurant was the best omakase experience I've ever had. The Master is #1! This restaurant is a must try, you will not regret it!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe server's constant interruptions to inquire about orders and payment felt pushy. This combination of dishonesty, poor seating choices when the restaurant was empty, mediocre food, and intrusive service made me decide it's not worth coming back. There are better sushi options in the area with more welcoming service.
- waiting timeit took some time before someone took our order
- staffIncredibly rude. ... were very dismissive about it.
- ServiceService was frequently spotty
- checkbrought a check in the middle of the dinner
- friend’s mealfriend’s meal well before mine was ready
- girl working on kitchen computerSpecially a girl working on kichen computer.
- hostessespecially the hostess. She gave us a table then gave the table to another party
- ice packs for deliveryThe takeout came in a really nice box. Maybe one minor suggestion would be to use small ice packs for delivery, like I see many other sushi places use at a similar price point. It wasn’t as big of a deal because my order arrived quickly, but I can see it being an issue for other deliveries.
- internal communicationHowever, the service was a bit unique. While individual servers were friendly, there seemed to be a lack of internal communication. We specifically requested no wasabi on the sushi, but this detail was missed across multiple orders by different staff members, leading to a few awkward moments, though the intentions seemed good.
Overall, the service here is generally good, with many positive experiences highlighting attentiveness and speed. While there are some hiccups with occasional slow service or communication, it's likely worth a visit if you value friendly and efficient staff.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, with a 7.8 score and a solid 82.5% customer satisfaction, indicating a good overall experience. Many guests rave about the ambiance, atmosphere, and cleanliness, often describing it as a cozy spot with a welcoming and relaxed feel. Based on 80 positive opinions out of 97 total, it seems most diners find the setting quite delightful.
However, it's not always perfect. Some experiences mention the place getting packed and noisy, making conversation difficult. There are also a few comments about a shared bathroom and the use of plastic cups.
While these are minor points, they are worth noting for those seeking a completely serene experience.
Ambience
97
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, comfortable atmosphere
- Clean, modern decor
- Intimate setting, open kitchen
What people don't like
- Can get noisy
- Single shared bathroom
- Plastic cups used
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was warm and stylish, creating the perfect setting
- ambianceMy experience at the restaurant for my friend's birthday was nothing short of amazing! The restaurant offered a cozy ambiance, and the staff were all incredibly friendly. They even went the extra mile by signing a card for my friend.
- ambienceenjoying the ambience and food at Okaeri. Decor is aesthetically pleasing
- interiorMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with a gorgeous interior that set a wonderful atmosphere. The appetizers were excellent, and the sushi was fine.
- placeI'd say stick to picking from the menu versus the chef's omakase; you end up with way more food and bang for your buck. The place itself was nice with excellent service. Reservations are a must.
- bar seatingWe heard of Okaeri Japanese Bistro from a close friend and decided to try it out, arriving quite late, 30 minutes before closing, on a whim. Despite the hour, we were warmly welcomed and seated at the bar, which is a must for any omakase sushi experience, offering a front-row view of the chefs at work. This cozy spot in the Mission delivered a great experience that exceeded our expectations.
- vibeThe vibe of this place is very cool!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Japanese aestheticclean Japanese aesthetic of the restaurant
- Mission gemrecommend this Mission gem
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere, in that it was pretty noisy
- conversationThe food was excellent, and every dish was well-prepared. However, the restaurant was quite busy and very loud, which made it difficult to have a conversation.
- decorDecor was lacking also with minimal decor
- inspirational quotesthe inspirational quotes feel like toxic positivity
- neighborhoodAnd the neighborhood is questionable.
- noise levelit was pretty noisy. This got in the way of appreciating the omakase
- packed and noisypacked and noisy on a Saturday
- parkingParking is tough.
- placePlace just seems a bit disorganized
- plastic cupsthey have to stop using plastic cups
If you're looking for a restaurant with a generally warm, clean, and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out, especially for an intimate meal or a small gathering. Just be aware that it can get a bit lively and noisy during peak times, which might impact your conversation.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found plenty to love, especially regarding the happy hour deals, overall affordability, and feeling it was truly worth the cost for the quality. With 37 positive remarks out of 55 total, guests often praised the bang for your buck and reasonable add-on prices, making it a solid choice for those seeking good quality without breaking the bank. However, not everyone felt the same, with 13 negative comments pointing to concerns about the price, some items being overpriced, or the omakase not always delivering on its price-point.
While the overall score sits at an average 6.9 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 67.3%, it seems some experiences left diners feeling it wasn't quite worth the higher cost.
Value
55
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Quality for price
- Good affordability
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Omakase value
- High price-point
Often praised
- priceThe nigiri truly rivals what we got in Japan, especially the hamachi toro. A friend got the omakase which didn’t seem worth it for the price, but the chef’s choice nigiri is incredible sushi for a reasonable price. Only downside is the menu is not very vegetarian friendly and we had a vegetarian with us.
- happy hourI came here for happy hour, which ends at 6 pm, and found the sashimi deal to be pretty good. The fish was decent for the price, although I have experienced better quality sashimi elsewhere.
- affordabilityrelatively affordable for an omakase
- happy hour dealMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food quality was amazing, especially their sashimi, which is part of an awesome happy hour deal before 6 pm on weekdays. The ordering experience was great, using a QR code at the table to order directly through my phone.
- add on pricesreasonable add on prices after omakase
- add-onsadd-ons that were reasonably priced
- bang for your buckway more food and bang for your buck
- foodfood was well priced
- great dealAnd a great deal too!
- happy hoursHappy hours is definitely beating competition
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant involved trying the Chawanmushi, which was great, and the spider roll, which was just okay. The meal, which included two dishes and a beer, came to $50, making it rather pricey.
- pricesThe prices here are on the higher side
- extra chargereceived an extra charge on my check and had to point it out
- omakaseThe nigiri truly rivals what we got in Japan, especially the hamachi toro. A friend got the omakase which didn’t seem worth it for the price, but the chef’s choice nigiri is incredible sushi for a reasonable price. Only downside is the menu is not very vegetarian friendly and we had a vegetarian with us.
- overpricedit’s a little overpriced
- price-pointwasn’t great given the price-point
- sushi slice$4 per sushi slice
- valuenor does it have value for what you get.
If youre looking for great deals, especially during happy hour, this spot offers solid value for quality sushi. However, be mindful that some menu items, particularly the omakase, might feel a bit pricey for what you get. Its worth a try if you stick to the well-regarded specials!
How are the prices at Okaeri?
Youre looking at roughly 70 per person, based on what 98 diners reported. That places it squarely in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range – not a steal, but definitely not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 70, the pricing here seems to cater to a wide spectrum, from those enjoying more budget-friendly options to a significant number of guests opting for a more premium experience, spending well over 101 $.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 98 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse offerings and the San Francisco dining scene, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Okaeri
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Exceptional Fish, Worth Returning
My experience at this restaurant was centered around some of the best fish I've ever had. It was incredibly fresh and tender. I opted for the chef's nigiri selection, which was so good.
I also tried a roll that was very good. The dessert was just okay, and I would have preferred to spend the money on another roll. I would definitely come again and focus on ordering more fish.
- fish10
- chef's nigiri selection10
- roll8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Heavenly Toast!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely heavenly, particularly with their Toast. It was an orgasmic sensation that I felt reverberating throughout the entire meal. The toast itself was incredibly creamy with a wonderfully layered taste.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5, indicating an outstanding overall dining experience.
- Toast10
- layered taste9
- creamy9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Okaeri: A Japanese Culinary Gem
There are an abundant amount of Japanese restaurants in San Francisco to choose from, however, I took a gamble and chose Okaeri for a Saturday lunch with a colleague of mine— and it did not disappoint WHATSOEVER! The restaurant itself has a modern decor and the noise level was very nice for a late afternoon lunch. We started off with the Yuzu Foam Oysters which really set the bar for what was to come.
The yuzu foam was intriguing to see as an offering, and it absolutely blew us away with how well it went with the oysters. Creamy and Umami— so so good! We ordered a few rolls: Cyclone Roll, Snow Mountain Roll, Salmon Lover Roll, & the Spicy Tuna Roll.
Every roll tasted fresh, a great balance and ratio of fish to rice, perfect amount of seasoning, and expertly presented. Each roll had excellent flavor. My colleague and I both agreed that we were impressed with how well each tasted!
To wrap up our meal, we ordered The Toast. This is hands down something everyone in San Francisco must try at least once… because it is unique and delicious. Uni Cream-Toro Tartare + Uni Caviar on a buttered thick toast— it was DIVINE.
I am so glad I decided to venture out across the city to try Okaeri. This place is a winner. The service was great, the restaurant looks nice, and the quality of the fish and flavor was fresh and delicious.
I will definitely be coming back and I highly recommend if you appreciate authentic and delicious Japanese food!
- modern decor9
- noise level8
- Yuzu Foam Oysters10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Best Sushi Experience Ever!
I visited Okaeri for my birthday and had an amazing experience. I opted for the omakase menu, which was excellent. The initial assortment of little bites offered a very interesting mix of flavors and textures, with the tempura, adorned with a delicate flower-shaped radish, being a particular highlight.
Each piece of nigiri was exceptional; the chef's use of a blowtorch rendered the fat perfectly, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Having tried sushi globally, including in Japan, I can confidently say this is probably the best I've ever had. The service was great; every staff member I interacted with was kind, friendly, and accommodating.
Despite feeling a little anxious dining alone for a special occasion, everyone made me feel genuinely welcome. I highly recommend Okaeri!
- omakase menu9
- little bites8
- tempura8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Sushi and Service
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed the sushi, particularly the omakase and nigiri. The fish was of good quality, and they offered a wide selection of nigiri, including seasonal specials.
For dessert, the rose Lychee ice cream was great, and they also had crepe cake available. The staff were friendly, and the service was quick. Reservations are recommended for busy times as they fill up quickly.
- sushi9
- omakase9
- nigiri8
What Okaeri offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Okaeri Japanese Bistro?
At Okaeri Japanese Bistro, you can enjoy a dining experience that is both upscale and cozy, yet still trendy. They offer a variety of healthy options, small plates, and a selection of wine and beer. You can choose from lunch, dinner, or even catering services, all with table service available.
Does Okaeri Japanese Bistro offer convenient service options and accessibility?
Yes, Okaeri Japanese Bistro provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for your convenience. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom. While street parking can be difficult, free and paid options are available nearby for you.
How does Okaeri generally perform according to customer feedback?
Okaeri holds a Restaurant Score of 7.7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 76.4%, indicating a good overall experience. Its Food (7.9) is highly rated, followed by Ambience (7.8), Service (7.2), and Value (6.9).
What are the culinary highlights at Okaeri?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional freshness and quality of the Japanese dishes, particularly the sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. Many find the food authentic and well-prepared.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted that the restaurant can be quite noisy , making conversation difficult. There are also occasional comments about certain items being pricey and, for some, portion sizes not being entirely satisfying.